Testosterone - a hormone androgen.He is considered the primary male hormone responsible for sexual characteristics, and even behavioral responses.In females, testosterone also available only to a much lesser concentration.The reason for the increased testosterone levels in women - a failure in the formation of the hormone.All this may lead to changes in appearance and various diseases.
functions of the male hormone testosterone
- hormone produced by the Leydig cells in men, women - ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands - all people.
In the women's body, it regulates the function of sebaceous glands, bone formation and activity of the bone marrow, as well as libido, mood, and most importantly, the growth and development of follicles.
In women, testosterone plays a key role in puberty: under its influence hair growth occurs in the pubic and underarm areas.Furthermore, this hormone regulates the functions of many organs, including the reproductive tract, bone, kidney, liver and muscle.Adult women need androgens to estrogen synthesis, and it was proven that they prevent bone loss and are responsible for sexual desire and satisfaction.
Without this hormone is impossible functioning of all systems and organs.But it is much more dangerous for women abnormal (low or high levels of testosterone), which can be caused by exposure to a variety of adverse factors, or various diseases.
reasons
tumors of the ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause increased production of androgens.
main reason for the increased testosterone levels in women - a malfunction of the adrenal glands and gonads.In addition to PCOS another reason for the increased testosterone levels in women (called hyperandrogenism) - hereditary growth of the adrenal cortex and other violations of the functions of these glands.Medications such as anabolic steroids, which are sometimes abused by bodybuilders and other athletes to improve performance, can also cause symptoms of hyperandrogenism.
With the dramatic weight loss, malnutrition and significant physical exertion and fails in the education system of the hormone.We can not say about the genetic predisposition, exposure to certain hormones, hypothyroidism.Ovulation - this is also the cause of increased testosterone in women.
How does testosterone in the female body
Excessive amounts of androgens can be a problem, resulting in the possible symptoms of masculinization as acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth in inappropriate places, such as the chin or upper lip, chest), thinning hairon the head (alopecia), seborrhea.
interesting to notice: these violations are possible not only in adults but also in young girls.Because of this, parents should pay special attention to the development of his daughter, and if there is even the smallest doubt, just need to see an endocrinologist.If you miss this point and does not take action, then the figure may acquire male traits, and then it will be impossible to change anything.
About 10 percent of women with high levels of testosterone have PCOS characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, lack of menstruation, infertility, impaired blood sugar levels (pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes), and in some cases, and hirsutism.Most women with such disease are overweight or even obesity.
Increased testosterone level, regardless of whether there is a woman polycystic ovary syndrome or not, associated with major health consequences such as insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.
dangerous complications
With the dramatic increase in levels of testosterone in a woman's body begins a process that can lead to ovarian dysfunction, disruption of the menstrual cycle, the lack of ovulation, infertility.
During pregnancy, there is a risk of severe, fetal death and frequent complications during childbirth.In addition, the probability of various ovarian cancer increases dramatically.
researchers have provided evidence that increasing the testosterone affects the habits and character.These representatives of the weaker sex have an increased craving rivalry, dominance, gambling and drinking.But the need to recognize that high testosterone is always leads to a change in appearance, and the internal state is transformed not in all cases.It depends on the psychological causes, genetics and upbringing.
One of the potential complications of a high level of testosterone in women is manifested in the form of depression and increased aggressiveness.This is not unique to women, but also young women in the prepubertal period.
testosterone during pregnancy
When pregnancy rate increases testosterone levels rather quickly.During this period, an additional portion of the placenta produces considered hormone, and this is the norm.But we must recognize that the timing of 4-8 weeks, and 13 to 20 a week, or a freeze possible miscarriage of the fetus, if the increased testosterone levels.In women, treatment of hyperandrogenism, if it is detected in time, help the normal gestation.
Many gynecologists, insuring, carried hormone therapy aimed at reducing the level of testosterone in the blood, because of pregnancy, it increases by 3-4 times.It is not always justified, because the placenta has an important ability to convert testosterone into estrogen, protecting the mother and child from the influence of hormones.It is interesting to notice that hyperandrogenism in pregnant women is rare, but still should be especially attentive to your body and new sensations.
Research
by taking blood from a vein on an empty stomach are conducting a study on testosterone.Day cycle does not matter, but it is recommended to analyze not during menstruation.Advance preparation is to avoid alcohol, smoking, sex, heavy physical work and taking certain medications.You should know that alcoholism and some liver disease may understate the level of testosterone.Drugs, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, clomiphene, androgens and anabolic steroids can also decrease testosterone levels.About all the medicines you take, you must inform the doctor conducting the study.
Treatment How to Lower Testosterone?It's pretty simple, but not necessarily the easiest way for most women: all you need to do - eat less sugar and refined carbohydrates.The reason is that the excess of these elements causes an increase in blood sugar level, which in turn causes an increase in insulin, which stimulates the ovaries to produce male hormones.More moderate exercise can help even more.Artificial sweeteners do not work because they stimulate the production of insulin.
necessary to use tofu - bean curd.It is very rich in phytoestrogens that support hormonal balance in the blood.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, vegetable oils - these are the essential nutrients that can help in resolving the issue so as to lower testosterone.Well to daily drinking green tea with the addition of mint.
If increased testosterone in women, drug treatment is the appointment of hormonal methods, "Diane-35", "metipred" and "Dexamethasone", "Yasmin".The drug is assigned a doctor after finding out the root cause of hyperandrogenism.
